The first thing you may think of when hearing about cloth diapers is the old fashioned cloth attached by a pin from long ago. Now there are many different updated versions to choose from to suit everyone’s budget and time. If you are interested in reading about the benefits of cloth diapers read this post https://lilyofthehomestead.com/why-i-use-cloth-diapers/(opens in a new tab)
All in One
The easiest ones are called “All in One” or you may see it abbreviated as AIO. Just like it sounds it is one piece of garment that has an absorbent material on the inside and a waterproof cover to keep the diaper from leaking. You throw the whole thing in the wash and usually line dry it, although some can be dried in low heat. The way these are assembled are different based by the company. Some have layers that are sewn in on one side only so that its faster to dry.
All in Two
“All in Two”, or “Pocket” diapers are similar and have liners that go on the inside and a waterproof cover on the outside. The pocket refers to an opening that you put the liner in or if it doesn’t have a pocket you can just lay the liner inside.
Liners are made out of a variety of different materials including cotton, bamboo, microfiber, and charcoal. They have a few layers sewn together. Each material has a different levels of absorbency and wicking. It will also change how long it takes to dry each liner as well.
Microfiber is great at absorbing moisture but if placed directly on the skin it will dry out the skin and cause a rash. That is why a lot of liners have microfiber inside but something like cotton on the outside.
Covers
Covers are waterproof covers that hold in the liners with all the wetness or poops. Covers can be used on top of liners or tradition flatfold diapers, prefolds, or fitted (more about these types). The nice thing about covers is that they can also be used as a swim diaper as well and most swim places prefer these instead of disposable.
Fitted
Fitted diapers are made of cotton, bamboo, microfiber, or a combination of some or all these. They are often adjustable and use snaps or velcro. I personally have never bought these as they can be more expensive than other combinations.
Flats
Flat fold diapers are one piece of big cloth made of cotton or a cotton bamboo blend. You fold the cloth into the size and shape that best fits your baby. These are the cheapest and easiest to clean and dry, but they are more work. There are quite a few ways to fold these with the easiest being a trifold, or just folding into a pad.
Prefold
Prefolds are made of the same material as flat folds but are already folded and sewn into a trifold with the most layers in the middle where you need it most. Unlike flat folds these come in different sizes.
Other words to know
- Gussets – These are the ruffles along the legs that helps keep everything inside. The best diapers have double gussets.
- Snaps – Usually plastic, these are button-like to close a diaper and to change the rise.
- Rise – For adjustable diapers the rise are snaps that make the diaper smaller
